Paper Flowers Box & Inspirations!

Hey! The sunshine is out and I’m feeling pretty good to say it’s a Monday morning! This little project was the result of  messing about with a scoring tool, making a box and prettying it up a little. I’ve wanted to do these curled flowers for ages. They’re SO easy. Just punch out a circle, cut a spiral into it (remember those spiral snakes you made as a kid?!!) and curl up from the middle. I secured my middles with a spot of glue so it made curling the rest a little simpler. Paper would be easier still- I used cardstock. I’ve left it unstamped- couldn’t decide where to put a sentiment. I’ll probably hang a mini tag of the bow with some linen thread when I’ve a few spare minutes. I quite like the pastel look and added a bold splash of Pacific Point blue to make it ‘pop’ at you. I haven’t decided what to put in it. If I made it 1/4″ wider it would fit After Eights snuggled side-by-side. Maybe not too snuggly or they’d melt and bend and leak all over the place!

I do feel pretty inspired today. I have been around some pretty special people this weekend. Let me tell you about them (anonymously of course- but I think at least one of them will recognise herself). The first is a newish friend who popped round for a coffee and is having a pretty tough old time. She is one of those beautifully gracious people who is a joy to spend time with. If you heard her story, it would make you weep for her- but this is a woman made of tough stuff. Despite all that has happened (and is happening) to her, she exudes an inner beauty that is inspirational. She would credit her strength to her faith in God and would rebuff your compliments as to how well she’s surviving.

 Another person I spent time with was a family member who’s frail and old and again is struggling. Even talking is an effort. He didn’t say much while we sat with him, that is, until we asked him about the time when he built Lancaster bombers during the war. Then, he suddenly became alive. I learned a great deal about him as he animatedly recounted what he did and who he worked with and how there are only two of these bombers left in the world. Here is a man who has worked hard all his life and built some amazing things with his hands. One of his wagons is available to visit in Orlando, Florida. Wow- to look at him, you just see the ravages of old age- you can’t find the real man until you dig deeper- and then you find mountains of treasures!

Two heroes; in fact, I was in fact  with 4 this weekend. 4 unsung heroes. The other two were a family member fighting a battle with her health and doing it in such a brave and dignified way. The last hero is someone at a crossroads in her life, and trying to work out the way ahead so she can be more of a blessing for others. These are the people that newspaper columns should be filled with. I don’t buy mags such as Hello!. Ok! etc etc. I mean- some of these people in the tabloids do worthy things, but an awful lot are just famous because of a gift they were born with. I’d rather read about people who are leaving the world a better place just by being here. Give me half an hour with any of my heroes rather than a day with some celeb.

Me? I’m inspired…to look past people’s appearances and find out both what makes them tick and how they’re doing right now. I’m also inspired to look at what I’m doing and make some adjustments. A bit of reflection and introspection is a good thing!! Who can you inspire today?!!

xx

PS- there are still places left for this Friday’s Strength and Hope stamping event at 8pm. Price is £20 and you get your own Strength and Hope stamp set (worth £12.95).

Also filling up is the Christmas in July event on Sat July 23rd 9:30am -1:30. Price is £25, you get a Dasher stamp and a goody bag. It’s gonna be a lotta fun!! x

 

Box supplies; Cardstock; Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Pacific Point and Pear Pizzazz. In-colour designer paper series, Basic pearls and Very Vanilla satin ribbon. Bird Punch(for the leaves)